($578+) Montgomery, AL to Ann Arbor, MI Movers
Moving from Montgomery, AL, to Ann Arbor, MI, runs anywhere from $578 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,964 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 803 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,834, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,964 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,054 - $3,342, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $578 - $1,586.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Montgomery, AL, to Ann Arbor, MI. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,323 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Montgomery, AL to Ann Arbor, MI
Moving options from Montgomery to Ann Arbor fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,323 - $6,078 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 41% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 74% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 803-mile route typically takes 2 to 7 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 803-mile route from Montgomery to Ann Arbor, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,834 - $4,366 | $1,054 - $2,039 | $578 - $1,090 | $920 - $1,678 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,323 - $6,078 | $1,369 - $2,668 | $594 - $1,246 | $1,051 - $2,048 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,118 - $7,964 | $1,818 - $3,342 | $790 - $1,586 | $1,499 - $2,898 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Montgomery, AL to Ann Arbor, MI
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 803-mile move from Montgomery, Alabama, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, with prices running from $1,834 - $7,964. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $269 - $1,796 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Montgomery and Ann Arbor are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Montgomery movers tend to run around $462 as a base rate plus $133/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Montgomery to Ann Arbor:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,834 - $4,366
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,323 - $6,078
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,118 - $7,964
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Montgomery to Ann Arbor.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Montgomery, AL to Ann Arbor, MI
Specialty needs vary by market: 58% of Montgomery movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Ann Arbor, 57% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing75% of local movers | $449 - $4,490 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Coleman Worldwide Moving | $180 - $1,078/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $269 - $2,155 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs36% of local movers | $898 - $2,694 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,245 - $8,980 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $673 - $1,278 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items36% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Coleman Worldwide Moving | $898 - $2,245 |
| Piano | Any piano type58% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Coleman Worldwide Moving | $718 - $3,143 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $269 - $1,347 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% nationally | $584 - $1,796 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $269 - $13,470+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $269 - $3,143+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Montgomery to Ann Arbor?
Michigan Movers Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Michigan, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Montgomery, AL. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Montgomery, AL to Ann Arbor, MI
Moving containers from Montgomery, Alabama, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, cost between $1,054 and $3,342. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Montgomery runs about $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Montgomery to Ann Arbor:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,054 - $2,039
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,369 - $2,668
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,818 - $3,342
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Montgomery, AL, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $629, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $67 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $135 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Montgomery, AL, and Ann Arbor, MI, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Alabama to Michigan move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,054. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,369 - $2,668.
What are the best moving containers Montgomery to Ann Arbor?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Montgomery to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Montgomery:
- C & R Movers, LLC (4.2/5), 12 years in business
- Admiral Movers (4.8/5), 37 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5), 0 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Montgomery, AL to Ann Arbor, MI
Plan on $578 - $1,586 for a rental moving truck on the 803-mile route from Montgomery, Alabama, to Ann Arbor, Michigan. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $229 - $262
- Daily insurance: $27/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Montgomery daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Montgomery to Ann Arbor based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $578 - $1,090
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $594 - $1,246
- 4+ bedrooms: $790 - $1,586
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Montgomery to Ann Arbor starts at $578 - $1,586, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($229 - $262), overnight lodging ($135/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $135 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $58 and $292 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $229 - $262 in fuel for the 803-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $629 in Montgomery, Alabama, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Montgomery to Ann Arbor?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Montgomery, AL to Ann Arbor, MI
For larger DIY moves from Montgomery, Alabama, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,051 and $2,048.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Montgomery to Ann Arbor:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $920 - $1,678
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,051 - $2,048
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,499 - $2,898
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $67 - $135 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Montgomery, Alabama, typically costs $629.
What are the best freight companies from Montgomery to Ann Arbor?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Montgomery, AL vs Ann Arbor, MI
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Ann Arbor, side by side with Montgomery on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Montgomery, AL | Ann Arbor, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 79 | 106 |
| Average rent | $1,200/mo | $2,260/mo |
| Median home value | $146,265 | $435,434 |
| Average income | $55,687/yr | $81,089/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.8% | 3.5% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.0% | Up to 4.25% |
| Walkability score | 26/100 | 52/100 |
| Safety index | 34.75/100 | 79.18/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Moderate |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Ann Arbor, MI to Montgomery, AL guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Alabama to Michigan, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 142 movers in Alabama, so you have real options to compare for this 803-mile move.
Our take
A move from Montgomery, AL, to Ann Arbor, MI, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,834 - $7,964 on the 803-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,054 - $3,342, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $578 - $1,586. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,323 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include University of Michigan and NSK Americas, Inc..
FAQs: Moving from Montgomery, AL, to Ann Arbor, MI
How long does a move from Montgomery, AL to Ann Arbor, MI take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 2 to 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What is the best time of year to move from Montgomery, AL to Ann Arbor, MI?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Montgomery, AL to Ann Arbor, MI?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
Is Ann Arbor a safe place to live?
Ann Arbor has a safety index of 79.18 out of 100 and a crime index of 31.0, compared to 34.75 and 65.25 in Montgomery. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
How walkable is Ann Arbor?
Ann Arbor has a walkability score of 52 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 71, compared to 26 and 33 in Montgomery. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Montgomery movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 58% of movers in Montgomery handle piano moves, and 36% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.